Flying-machine.



PAIBNTED MAR. 17. 1908.

E. L. DRAKE. FLYING MACHINE. APPLIIOAITIOK rum) HAB. 26. 1907.

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PATENTED MAR.17, 1903. E. L. DRAKE. FLYING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED EAR. 25. 1907.

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JNVENTOR PATENTED MAR. 17, 1908.

E. L. DRAKE. FL YING MAGHINE. APPLIQA'TIoI FILED MAR. 25, 907.

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M 1 4, [NVQVJOR Law EDWIN L. DRAKE, OF WINCHESTER, TENNESSEE.

FLYINGJVIAGHINE Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 1'7, 1908.

Application filed March 25, 1907. Serial No. 364,240.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it Known that I, EDWIN L. DRAKE, citizen of the United States, residing at Winchester, in the county of Franklin and State of Tennessee, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in F lying-Machines, of i which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to aerial navigation and has for its object to provide a flying machine, capable of lifting itself into the air and maintaining an elevation Without the use of a gas bag or extended aeroplanes, and of bein propelled on any desired course. To attain these objects my machine is built on trim lines, being of reduced size and presenting only a small surface to frontal friction or lateral drift, and is thereby enabled to attain high speed, which, as is-well known, is a potent factor in reducing gravic pressure on a body, in the air or on the ground, by distributing the gross weight over great lengths of line, the attenuation being extreme in swift flying birds and gun projectilesthe average ravic pressure to the yard on an ounce rifle ball, for instance, at full range, being only one seventh of a grain and on a thousand pound ball about -five ounces.

, For effecting uplift and propulsion the machine is provided with a combination of fan Wheels capable of developing currents of high velocity and directing them vidthunabated force. within channels, specifically adapted, on impact with the currents, to bear. the vessel strongly upward and at the same time impart to it an active forward motion.

Coincidently with this operation and directly due to it. a decided reduction of the normal atmospheric pressure is effected above the vessel, with corresponding compensatory up pressure from below to restore the disturbed equilibrium, If, for instance, the reduction of pressure above the vessel amounts to one pound to the square inch over an area of 6X36 inches the up pressure developed therefrom is 216 lbs. Reduction of atmospheric pressure over the back, in birds and beetles, is accomplished by the quick out and down stroke of the wings, and is animportant factor in the process of their flight, especially in the act of rising from the ground-enabling eagles and other such birds, in conjunction with the momentum of propulsion, ,to lift twice or thrice their own weight mto the an.

The operation and mechanical values ot' the forces I employ are well known and they are in common use in nature and art, and therewill be no difficulty in applying them effectively to the production of artificial airflight in the present state of constructive art.

Other objects and advantages will be mani fest from the following description, and it is understood, that I do not desire to belimited to the exact details of construction here shown and described, for obvious modifications will occur to one skilled in the art.

In the drawings forming a portion of this specification and in which like numerals of reference indicate similar parts in the sev eral views: Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of the present invention, parts of the mechanism being shown in the dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a front elevation. Fig. 3 is a detail cross section, showing a different form of Fig. 4 is a detail longitudinal chamber wall. section of the car portion of the vessel, show ing the motor and fore and aft wheel movement. Fig. 5 is a side view of a longitudinal fan and part of a chamber-wall containing back slanted flanges. Fig. 6 is a cross sow tion of the longitudinal fans and chamber. V and D. Fig. 7 is a diagram of a fan and its hood.

Referring nowto the drawings:lhe present invention consists structurally of two arts united by hangers, the upper part A being a special lifting and iiropelling apparatus, and the lower part B a dependent car,-

for carrying the operator, motor, sets of fans, steering and starting devices. A and B are each provided with a reduced head. The up er structure A comprises a pair of longitu inal arallel fans 3], chambers V and .1), located etween fan wheels, 31.. 31, at their sides and between fans 8, S, at their ends, fore and aft fansS, 8', reduced head 16, cur rent ducts 1S and gearing and hangers for attachment to part B. The walls chainbers V and D form the body portion of the structure and will be so designated and referred to. They furnish support and points of attachment for various parts of the mecl1- anism.

The longitudinal fans 31, 31, Fig. 3, are journaled on arms 39, 39 secured to the body portion, and are provided with beveled gearings, which are ada ted to revoli e the said fans at high speer and currents radially an: inward and upward against the presenting wall-.iaces of Y and direct their D and outward and downward against the j of the vessel, as will be seen, the effect being In order to neutralize the downbearing action of the rising pad-' presenting arches of 34, 34, and then inward under the out curving walls 33, 33, of chamber D and'upward into its cavity. The addles 32, 32 of fans 31, 31, are mounte on radial arms from the axles in the usual manner and ma. be of any of the usual forms that are a aptedto develop active cur rents and discharge them radially. But theform I prefer is like that shown, the forward end the paddle blade, or plate, be-

' ing curved to favor intake of air from the front but not to interfere materially with the direction of the radial discharge.

seen the curves promote propulsion.

Chamber V is, practica ends and bottom, but open superiorly. Its sideand end walls curve 11 ward and .out- Ward, conforming to the or its of their respective fans. The walls maybe imperforate, as shown 'inFig. 2, but I prefer to have the walls provided with a series of ionitudinal openings, 11, 13, which are overapped superiorly by the inward and downward proection of the upper adjacent plate of the wall, so as to promote the out draft of air from the chamber cavity by the passing paddles of fans 31, 31. As will'be seen the paddle orbit is tangential to the axis of the apertures, which looks upward and outward, and the effect is to draw strongly on the content of air in the chamber V and thereby lessen its density accordingly. it is appar- .ent, that the strata of air near the iioor of the cavity will have the lowest density, being farthest removed from the influence of the normal compensatory efforts from above to restore the equilibrium. I further conserve the current energy of the paddle after it has cleared the chamber wall proper at 11 by providing an extension of the wall, 34, outward and downward covering in the upper outer quadrant of the paddle orbit and conforming thereto, and giving distinct uplift from the current and at its discharge a rocket effect. The interspace, 11, is large to favor free intake of air from V and an active outflow of air from over the chamber.

Chamber D is the converse of chamber V, and the transverse plate 15, forming the floor of chamber V, can conveniently form the roof of chamber D. The walls, 33, 38, of chamber D may conveniently be formed by the downward and outward extension of the walls of V and be integral therewith. As it has no end walls chamber D is practically a conduit and will be so referred to. As will be seen, the conformation of the. conduit thus formed adapts it to readily receive currents into its interior and make them actively uplifting from moment of entrance until they discharge, by their upward convergence and increasing density as they aproach the roof 15, which is further intensied by any tendency to lowering. the plane 1y closed at sides,

that of a parachute.

dies on entrance into the lower inner quad' .rant 1 provide slots or o enings' 11, 11 in Walls, 31, 31 ada ted to irectthe currents from these. padd es into the cavity of D, which become at once uplifting, withthe effect stated. I also provide back slanting flanges 36, -on the presenting wall face between the respective series of slots 11 in V and D, the said fiange's being adapted by their lines to promote uplift from the rising paddles and also propulsion.

' It will be noted, that the full paddle energy of fans, 31, 31, throughout the greater extent of.the lower quadrants is directed into conduit 1), condensing its content of air accordingly forming a strong undertow by the up trend of air from below, which is of itself supportive. At the same time the centrally placed fore fans, 8, 8 direct strong currents backward into and-under conduit 1) and, as these fans can develop a current velocity of 2 to 4' miles, or more, per minute, they furnish a substantial support. under the descending blades of the successive fans and at the same time actively promote propulsion, which is also supporting, as explained. When to these influences is added that of the several fans throughout their upper orbits which is strongly upbearing, together with that from the vacuum formation, it will be seen that their conjoint action is ample for raising the vessel from the ground maintaining it at an elevation.

The foreand aft fans, 8, 8 are in file and in I line with conduit D and revolve forward and downward. It is noted that. each of these fans is provided with an incasing hood 14,

which cover inits upper orbit, leaving the paddles in the lower orbit exposed. The forward end wall of V can conveniently form the rear portion, or arch, of-the hood rim 14 and the extension of this wall forward and downward can form the. front rim of the hood. The rear arch of the hood is provided with apertures 13 similar to those in the lateral walls of V and serve also to promote exhaustion of the air in chamber V. ,The side casings of the hood are provided with apertures, 40, Fig. 7, for the intake of air by the paddles. The front wall of the chamber V is provided with apertures 13 similar to those in its lateral walls, to further promote exhaustion of the air in its ca'v Qty.

The function of hood 1% is to protect the paddle against exterior influences and con fine their currents within channels to promote uplift and propulsion and on their discharge downward to give a distinct rocket effect. After the paddles pass out of the hood their work is actively propelling through their lower orbit and lifting in the forward quadrant. in their rising orbits their action would .be normally downbearing, but as they discharge a strong current backward and upward against plate 15 and also against the presenting rear arch of the hood, the effect is to neutralize the normal action, thus freeing the descending blades of the normal antagonism and making their action wholly uplifting. I

It will be noted, that as the vessel moves forward the current from the under plate of head 16 is directed under the descending paddles of the first fan, furnishing thereby a more substantial support for their down stroke, but as the velocity of the currents from this fan are greatly increased a yet more substantial base of support is formed under the bladesof-the second fan; and so with each succeeding fan until the currents are discharged upwardly against terminal plate 18.

By reducing the diameter of the front fan of the machine to half that of itsadjacent rear fan it will be seen, that I reduce the head friction area by one half; and by using a succession of fans forwardly, each reduced accordingly, I can in a manner efiace frontalair resistance and promote usefulness of the invention accordingly.

Part B is suspended from part A by arms 19, 19, secured to part B and pivotally at tached to partA. The motor chain 20 and cable 21 form additional means of attach merit to the two parts.

C, Fig. 1, is the apartment tor, 24 the motor, 23 a pedal gearedto the motor and also to the several fans of the car,

22 the ratcheted drum for moving cable 21,- and 29 the steering devices.

The forward fan 8 of part B is single andplaced centrally as in A. I provide also a set of side fans 9, 9 placed near the rear end of the car C, which with thefore fan 8 form an additional motive equipment of the vessel'and adapted, in

its casing 14, but the rear fans 9, 9 are housed in exteriorly b plates 17 Fig. 2 and inte riorly by the sides of apartment Q, forming a conduit, similar to that of D in A. I ordinarily use an explosive motor 24 and direct the discharge pipe downward, both to get the benefit of the rocket effect and riddance of the offensive odors and the heat, which are carried under the car and discharged to the rear. The motor 24 is set so as to have free access of air to all its sides and by providing one or more of the apertures 11 in the hood, 14, the radiated heat-is drawn into the fan and through ventilation of the motor is secured and coolness promoted. The exposed front portion of the car apartment 0, shown 26, is V shaped so as to divide the fan currents by its presenting edge and direct them equally into the conduits and under the for the operacourse.

efficiency of the mechanism,

descending blades of the rear fans, which in turn direct the currents upward against the terminal conduit 30.

For pitching the plane of flight of the vcssel I provide drum 22, with ratcbeted lever, which moves cable 21 back or forth and raises or lowers the plane of flight accordingly. The use of rudder 29 is obvious and it need not be described.

The. wheeled spring brackets 27 are secured to the car and projected downwards in airs fore and aft, and are designed to diminish shock on contact of the vessel with the ground and also to bear the vessel up by rebound in the act of starting. The groundengaging bars, 28, 28, are held by cli s on the sides of the car, so as to be readily etached. The bars furnish a simple but useful means for facilitating the clearance of the vessel from the ground in the act of startin For this urpose the o erator grasps the ars by a fullupward reac 1 and their lower ends being in contact with the ground he lifts himself bodil upward, thereby diminishing by that muc the vessel's burden and assisting materially the work of the fans, which are in active operation at the same time. The plane of A is inclined upwardly and the moment the vessel clears the ground it springs forward under the propulsive efforts of the fans, mounting on the inclined plane, pre cisely as the bird does in the act of rising. If needed the operator can repeat the maneuver with the bars from time to time until sufficient momentum is attained to effect clearance of the vessel from the ground and susenergy.

The machine can be lightand trim for coursing or the number and dimensions of the wheels can be increased to any desired extent'for burden carrying. All the parts of the machine that will so-admit are made pref erably of light sheet metal tern ered to re-' tain form and give resiliency. Flat 0 irregular surfaces are sedulously guarde from frontal friction by heads with symmetrical faces to cover such parts and ,deflect currents equably, thereby insuring a true line of flight and furnishinga jfixed and definite point, from which to govern the vessel, without which its course would be erratic or put undue strain on certain parts in holding it to a The connecting parts of the machine are and its lines are made with view tosynnnctry and equable distribution of weight. The means I employ for reducing the normal frontal air resistance greatly remote the y lessening strain on the motor and developing speed, which as explained is on important factor in diminishing the effect of gravity.

As stated, the operation and mechanical values of the forces 1 ernploy are Well known and in common use, in nature and in art, and it is evident the mechanical construction here shown for developing and combining these forces Will furnish ample powers for suscurrents to make them effective for uplift and propulsion of the vessel.

2. in 'e flying machine the combination with its body portion of fan wheels mounted thereon endedepted to develop high speed currents, and means for directing these currents against portions of the body adapted to receive them and on impact therewith to beer the vessel-upward and forward.

3. In e flying machine the combination with its body ortion of revolving fans and a forward and dbwn'werd extended plate, said plate being adopted receive currents from its ion and direct them downward, With n1otor connections for the fans.

4. In e flying machine the combination with its body portion of, iorverd and downward revolving fans, at casing covering the upper orbit of eech'fnn end a longitudinal plate connecting the adjacent cesings,with means for revolving the said fans.

5. In aiiying machine the combination With its body portion of, longitudinal parallel fans and of a chamber located between said ions, the said chamber being substantially closed, eXcept-superiorly, and said tens being adopted to revolve inwardly end upwardly from below and direct their currents against the presenting chamber Wells, and on their discharge outwardly to drew eir irointhe chamber and diminish the density of its tent of air accordingly, with motive conned tions for said fans.

6. In a flying machine the combination with its body portion of fans and a chamber located therebctween, said chamber being open superiorly end having its 0 posits Wells curved upward end outWerd, t 1e said Wells being provided With apertures to facilitate draft of air from the chamber cavity by the said fans, with means for operating the fans.

7. in a flying machine the combination with its body portion of revolving fans and e chamber located between the lower fen orbits, said chamber opening inferiorly and forming a conduit adapted to receive currents from the fans end make them upbeering and propulsive, With motor connections for the fans.

8. 'e flying machine the combination -With its body portion of revolving lens, chambers located between the fans and means for moving the ions. 7

9. In e flying machine the combination with its body portion of a fan and a forwardly reduced-head, said head being disposed in front of said fan and covering its presenting plate, With means for operating the said fan.

10. In a flying machine the combination with its car of lifting means connectedwith the car, steering devices, spring brackets secured to the car and provh ed With iourneled Wheels, and ground-engaging bars, removably attached to the car and adapted to be grasped by 9. person Within the car. i

In testimony whereof I e'fiix my signature in presence of two Witnesses.

EDWIN L. DRAKE l Jitnesses: 

